Spiced Eggnog Cookies Recipe for the Holidays

Festive baking reaches new heights with these irresistible eggnog cookies that capture the essence of holiday cheer.

Warm spices and creamy eggnog blend perfectly in every delectable bite.

The kitchen fills with an enchanting aroma that beckons loved ones to gather around.

Soft, pillowy edges and a delicate dusting of nutmeg make these cookies a true seasonal delight.

Rich and indulgent, they promise to become an instant classic at your holiday celebrations.

Each cookie delivers a nostalgic taste of winter’s most beloved flavors.

Dive into this recipe and spread some delicious holiday magic.

How To Make Eggnog Cookies Easily

• Festive Dough Creation

Dive into a delightful baking adventure by blending flour with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Create a magical mixture that captures the essence of holiday cheer. The secret is in letting the ingredients dance together smoothly and gently.

• Cookie Transformation

Gently shape your dough into adorable round balls, placing them carefully on a baking sheet. Watch them transform in the oven, turning a beautiful golden color that whispers of cozy winter moments. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that brings memories of family gatherings.

• Elegant Finishing Touch

Once cooled, drape your cookies with a silky smooth glaze that adds a touch of winter wonderland magic. A light sprinkle of nutmeg creates a delicate crown, making each cookie a small work of art. These treats are more than just cookies – they’re edible memories of holiday joy.

• Serving Suggestion

Let these cookies rest on a beautiful plate, inviting friends and family to share in the warmth and love baked into every single bite. Perfect for holiday parties, quiet evenings by the fire, or as a sweet gift that speaks volumes about your care and creativity.

Tips To Improve Eggnog Cookies

• Holiday Baking Magic: Eggnog Cookies Tips & Twists
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap regular eggnog with almond or oat milk versions to create a lactose-free treat that still captures the festive flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months, allowing spontaneous baking whenever holiday cravings strike. Simply add 1-2 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to enhance the traditional eggnog taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to personal preference.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests. Adding xanthan gum can help maintain the cookie's soft texture.
• Festive Decoration Hack: Instead of plain glaze, mix in a touch of rum extract or sprinkle crushed candied pecans for an extra layer of holiday excitement.

Serving Eggnog Cookies The Fun Way

• Holiday Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange these eggnog cookies on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea, creating a delightful sweet moment that celebrates winter comfort and warmth.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or red ribbon, making charming homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Brunch Dessert Companion: Include these cookies on a weekend brunch spread alongside fresh fruits, creating a delectable sweet option that complements savory breakfast dishes.

Keep Eggnog Cookies Soft

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 48 hours before baking and keep refrigerated. This technique allows flavors to develop and enhances overall taste profile.
• Temperature Control Technique: Keep glazed cookies in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid environments to prevent soggy textures and maintain crisp edges.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 23

All You Need For Eggnog Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie, ensuring a tender and soft texture with the right structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy, creating a delicate crumb.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the eggnog flavor perfectly.
• Nutmeg: Brings a classic holiday essence and depth to the cookie's overall taste profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness, making the flavors more vibrant.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with caramelization during baking.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Eggnog: Infuses the cookies with classic holiday flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall flavor and adds a subtle aromatic sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, silky glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
• Eggnog: Thins the glaze and reinforces the signature holiday flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides a final sprinkle of festive garnish and warm spice.

What To Use For Eggnog Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, mixing dough ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together.
• Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking sheets: Necessary for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing glaze ingredients.
• Wire rack: Helps cookies cool completely without getting soggy.
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

Festive Eggnog Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Homemade eggnog cookies blend holiday cheer with classic cookie comfort. Rich spices and creamy notes celebrate seasonal warmth, inviting you to savor sweet memories of festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 ml) eggnog
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• ⅔ tbsps eggnog
• A pinch of nutmeg for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Mixture: Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of dry ingredients.
2. Create Butter Base: Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, achieving a pale, airy consistency that forms the cookie’s foundational texture.
3. Combine Wet Components: Integrate egg, eggnog, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until a smooth, homogeneous liquid develops with consistent texture.
4. Form Dough: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing minimally to prevent toughening, stopping precisely when ingredients are just combined and a cohesive dough emerges.
5. Chill Dough: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to settle and solidify, which enhances cookie structure and facilitates easier shaping.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Warm oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for optimal cookie release.
7. Shape and Arrange: Scoop uniform dough portions onto prepared baking sheets, positioning with adequate spacing to accommodate modest spreading during baking.
8. Bake and Monitor: Bake cookies until edges turn golden and centers appear set, approximately 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
9. Cool and Finish: Transfer cookies to wire rack for complete cooling, then optionally drizzle with eggnog glaze and dust with a light nutmeg sprinkle for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Dough Overworking: Mix ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Chilling Duration: Refrigerate dough between 30-60 minutes – too short won’t firm cookies, while excessive chilling can make dough crumbly and difficult to shape.
• Manage Baking Time Precisely: Watch cookies carefully during the 10-12 minute window; slight color variations can dramatically impact texture between soft and crisp results.
• Customize Dietary Alternatives: Substitute dairy eggnog with plant-based versions, use gluten-free flour blend, and select vegan butter to accommodate different dietary requirements without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg